Q Is Bon a form of Buddhism?
A No, historically Bon is not a branch of Buddhism, but modern Bon shares extensive similarities with Tibetan Buddhism. While Buddhism traces its roots to Gautama Buddha in India, Bonpo followers believe their teachings come from an entirely different enlightened teacher from a land west of Tibet. However, following centuries of political coexistence and mutual cultural absorption, the 14th Dalai Lama recognized Bon as an official, integral Tibetan religious tradition.
A No, historically Bon is not a branch of Buddhism, but modern Bon shares extensive similarities with Tibetan Buddhism. While Buddhism traces its roots to Gautama Buddha in India, Bonpo followers believe their teachings come from an entirely different enlightened teacher from a land west of Tibet. However, following centuries of political coexistence and mutual cultural absorption, the 14th Dalai Lama recognized Bon as an official, integral Tibetan religious tradition.
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What is Buddhism?Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. An Indian religion, Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies. Buddhism originated in Ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia. All Buddhist traditions share the goal of overcoming suffering and the cycle of death & rebirth, either by the attainment of Nirvana or through the path of Buddhahood.
What is Bon?The ancient religion of Tibet, Bon has gone through several incarnations as Tibet has changed rulers over its many years of existence. The origins of Bon were grounded in animistic, shamanistic, and mystic-like practices, but would later evolve to inherit texts and traditions (known as the Yungdrung Bon). The religion is still followed today by a small percentage of Tibetans; much of the religion is based on the five elemental processes of earth, water, fire, air and space.
